CENTRAL Queensland residents have shown their commitment to the environment by recycling over 50 million containers through the Containers for Change scheme.
Centres in Barcaldine, Blackall, Blackwater, Emerald, Longreach, Winton and surrounds have claimed over $5 million in refunds through the scheme.
The Containers for Change scheme returns 10 cents for every eligible beverage container exchanged at registered Container Refund Points (CRPs) across Queensland.
The scheme has accepted over 3 billion containers for refund since it began in late 2018 and contributed to a 54 per cent decrease in beverage container litter in the environment.
Container Exchange chief executive Ken Noye said recycling beverage containers was “a job for everyone” and Central Queensland residents were showing they were willing to play their part.
“Over $5 million has now been returned to local residents, charities, community groups and businesses in these areas of Central Queensland through the Containers for Change scheme,” Mr Noye said.
“This has been driven by an encouraging number of returned containers, but the work to preserve the natural beauty of our state must continue and I encourage residents to keep up the good work.
“An ambitious target has been set to recycle 85 per cent of all beverage containers sold each year in Queensland by July 2022.
“It’s everyone’s job to get behind that scheme by ensuring their containers are disposed of correctly – either by being returned for refund at one of our CRPs, or by going in a council-provided yellow-top bin if you have one available.”
For more information on Containers for Change, go to www.containersforchange.org.au/.
